SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas — Several people were hurt in a shark attack on Thursday along South Padre Island, according to officials.
Texas Game Warden Captain Chris Dowdy said four people were hurt in the attack, which was reported near Wanna Wanna Beach Bar and Grill.
Officials said two people were bitten in the attack and two other people encountered the shark but were not seriously injured. According to Dowdy, officials believe that one shark was responsible for all four of the incidents, which happened in a span of about two hours.
Of the two people bitten, one was taken to a hospital in Brownsville while another was flown out for further treatment, officials said. The U.S. Coast Guard deployed drones, boats and helicopters to conduct surveillance in the area to keep the waters safe from further attacks.
“Currently, the South Padre Island Beach Patrol, fire and police departments are patrolling the shoreline and utilizing drones,” the South Padres Island city secretary confirmed to the Associated Press.
Dowdy said the shark escaped to open waters and there is no plan to contain it at this time.
Officials warn that if you see large schools of bait near the shore, it's usually an indicator that a predator is nearby. Beachgoers are encouraged to calmly exit the water if they see a shark and wait for it to pass.